Feds warn of phone scams involving jury duty and bail money

May 10—Federal authorities are warning New Hampshire residents about two telephone scams by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officers.

In the first scam, a caller posing as a U.S. marshal or another law enforcement officer claims that the target did not comply with a jury duty summons. They ask for a return call to obtain personal information, or threaten to arrest the person if a fine is not paid, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

In a similar scam, a caller tells the target there are criminal charges against them, and directs them to pay bail money using virtual currency machines or kiosks.

Federal officials made it clear that law enforcement would never make such calls.

"Fraudsters are always finding new ways to exploit our fears and obligations," said U.S. Attorney Jane Young. "While jury duty is one of our most fundament civic duties, the court does not use law enforcement officers to arrest potential jurors."

Young said government officials also would never ask someone to pay fines or taxes by phone or a virtual currency machine.

U.S. Marshal William Hart urged the public to guard their personal information closely.

Officials are asking anyone who receives one of these calls to notify the clerk's office at the U.S. District Court in Concord by calling 603-225-1423, or by email at: daniel_lynch@nhd.uscourts.gov.